Fiat Punto: General instructions

Fiat Punto Owners Manual

Wheel changing and correct use of the jack and spacesaver spare wheel call for some precautions as listed below.

IMPORTANT If the vehicle is fitted with “Fix & Go (quick tyre repair kit)”, see the relevant instructions in the following chapter.

Alert other drivers that the car is stationary in compliance with local regulations: hazard warning lights, warning triangle, etc. Any passengers on board should leave the car, especially if it is heavily laden. Passengers should stay away from oncoming traffic while the wheel is being changed. If parked on a slope or rough surface, chock the wheels with wedges or other suitable devices to prevent the car from rolling.

The space-saver spare wheel is specific to your car, do not use it on other models, or use the spare wheel of other models on your vehicle. The space-saver spare wheel shall only be used in an emergency. It shall only be used for the distance necessary to reach a service point and the car speed shall not exceed 80 km/h. The spare wheel has an orange sticker that summarises the main cautions for use and limitations. The sticker should never be removed or covered. Never fit a wheel cap on a space-saver spare wheel. The sticker gives the following information in four languages: CAUTION! FOR TEMPORARY USE ONLY! 80 KM/H MAX! REPLACE BY NORMAL WHEEL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. DO NOT COVER THIS LABEL IN USE.

When driving with a space-saver spare wheel fitted, the driving performance of the car changes. Avoid accelerating or braking sharply, abrupt turns or fast cornerings. The life of the spare wheel is approx. 3000 Km, after this distance it should be replaced with another of the same type. Never attempt to fit a conventional tyre on a rim designed for use as a space-saver spare wheel. Have the punctured wheel repaired and refitted as soon as possible. Two or more space-saver spare wheels should never be used together. Do not grease the threads of bolts before installing them: they might slip out.

The jack shall only be used for changing wheels on the car with which it is provided or on cars of the same model. It must not be used for other purposes such as for instance raising cars of other models. In no case should it be used for repairs under the car. Incorrect positioning of the jack may cause the jacked vehicle to fall. Do not use the jack for higher capacities than stated on its label. Snow chains cannot be fitted to the space-saver spare wheel. So, if a front (drive) wheel is punctured and chains are needed, a rear wheel should be fitted to the front of the vehicle and the spare wheel should be fitted to the rear. This way with two nor

Fasten the wheel cap correctly to prevent the wheel from coming free in motion. Never tamper with the inflation valve. Never place tools between the rim and tyre. Check and restore, if required, the pressure of tyres and spare wheel to the values given in the “Technical specifications” section.

Please note:

• the jack weight is 1.85 kg;
• the jack requires no adjustment;
• the jack cannot be repaired: in the event of a fault it must be replaced by another original one;
• no tool other than its cranking device may be fitted on the jack.

To change a wheel proceed as follows:

• Stop the car in a position that is not dangerous for oncoming traffic where you can change the wheel safely. The ground should be flat and adequately firm;
• Turn the engine off and pull up the handbrake;
• Engage first gear or reverse;
• Lift the luggage compartment panel mat ;
• Loosen the clamping device (A) using wrench (B) if required;
• Take out the tool container and take it near to the wheel to be changed;
• Take the spare wheel;
• for versions fitted with press-fit wheel cap, remove the wheel cap avoiding to damage it;
• Using the wrench provided (B) loosen the fastening bolts by about one turn. If the car is fitted with alloy rims, shake the car to facilitate removing the rim from the wheel hub;

• Fit the handle and operate it to partially open the jack. Position the jack under the car (see figure) at the reference points (C) near the wheel to be replaced;
• Extend the jack until the groove (D) on the jack fits correctly into ridge (E) underneath the sidemember;
• Warn anybody nearby that the car is about to be lifted. They must stay clear and not touch the vehicle until it is back on the ground;
• Operate the jack and raise the car until the wheel is a few centimetres from the ground;
• Undo the four wheel bolts and remove the wheel.
• Make sure the surfaces of the space-saver spare wheel that come into contact with the hub are clean and free from any impurities that could cause wheel bolts loosening;

• Install the spare wheel matching the holes (F) with the corresponding pin (G);
• Using the wrench provided, fully tighten the four fastening bolts;
• Work the jack handle to lower the car and remove the jack;
• Using the wrench provided, tighten up the wheel bolts in a criss-cross fashion following the sequence shown.

IMPORTANT Do not fit the wheel cap to the space-saver wheel.

IMPORTANT You will need to change the set of bolts if you want to change the type of wheels fitted (alloy rims instead of steel rims, and vice versa); have this operation performed by skilled personnel. You should keep the bolts and spare wheel in case you decide to use the original type of wheel later on.